Photo of Whitney Houston dead in her coffin published by National Enquirer

National Enquirer's Whitney Houston coffin photo prompts outrage

A photograph published by the National Enquirer that appears to show Whitney Houston dead in her coffin has prompted outrage.

The photo, which shows Houston in a purple dress, gold slippers and jewellery worth $500,000, has sparked a strong reaction, with the Washington Post stating that “a line has clearly been crossed” and Houston fans on Twitter slamming the magazine for poor ethics.

“Journalism at its worst,” said Twitter user Yasmin Perry, while user @hotterthanjuly commented that “Whoever sold that photo of Whitney Houston in her coffin to the National Enquirer sold their soul in the process.”

The Enquirer‘s publisher, however, stands by the magazine’s decision to run the photo. “I thought it was beautiful,” publisher Mary Beth Wright told FoxNews.com.

The photo was reportedly taken at the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, New Jersey, where a private wake was held for the star. According to the Daily Mail, funeral home owner Carolyn Whigham has been asked by the late singer’s family not to comment on the photo to the media.

Houston was found unconscious and underwater in a Beverly Hills hotel room on Feb. 11. The singer was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Her funeral took place on Feb. 18 in New Jersey.